Alaska is more than just a place for Holly & Brian—it’s part of their story. They met through mutual friends, bonded over a love for the outdoors, and spent countless hours hiking and playing frolf (frisbee golf) together. So, when it came time to plan their wedding, they knew they wanted something different. Instead of a traditional venue, they chose to celebrate their love in the places that meant the most to them, surrounded by their closest friends and family.
This is the beauty of an intimate wedding: it allows you to slow down, embrace the adventure, and soak in every moment. Keep reading to the end for more of our favorite wedding venues in Anchorage if you’re looking for a setting as unique as your love story!
Their wedding day began with Holly getting ready while Brian, his best man, and Holly’s maid of honor met up at Flat Top Mountain—a stunning, easily accessible peak just outside Anchorage. This wasn’t just a breathtaking location; it was a special spot they had hiked together many times while dating. The panoramic views of the city, the inlet, and the mountains made for the perfect setting for their first look. (Pro tip: Flat Top offers some of the best wide-open landscapes for wedding photos, and you don’t even have to hike far to get there!)
From there, we took a quick drive to Kincaid Park—another place full of memories for Holly & Brian. They had spent many weekends here playing frolf together, so naturally, we had to capture some fun shots of them playing in their wedding attire! With its mix of trails, forests, grassy meadows, and ocean views, Kincaid gave us an incredible variety of backdrops. And in true Alaskan fashion, we even spotted a moose along the way!
After enjoying some lighthearted moments, we made our way down to the beach at Kincaid. Standing on the shore, we could see the same ocean and mountains we had just admired from Flat Top. The combination of water, towering peaks, and lush greenery made for some truly stunning shots—this is why outdoor weddings in Alaska are so magical.
For their ceremony, Holly & Brian gathered with close family and friends at the Alaska Botanical Garden. The lush greenery and colorful flowers created a peaceful, intimate atmosphere, perfect for their heartfelt vows. Adding an extra layer of meaning, Brian’s brother officiated the ceremony— just as he had done for their other brother, Aaron’s, wedding, which I filmed the year before in Whittier!” Checkout that rainy yet beautiful film here: https://youtu.be/5JSDub20Ysc?si=k-zEfaO2YrR040iA
The family connections and trust built over the years made this wedding even more special. It was incredible to see familiar faces and document another meaningful day for this wonderful family.
The family connections and trust built over the years made this wedding even more special. It was incredible to see familiar faces and document another meaningful day for this wonderful family.
After the ceremony, the newlyweds and their guests headed to Kinley’s Restaurant—one of their favorite date night spots. It was the perfect setting for a relaxed and intimate reception, complete with heartfelt toasts, incredible food, and celebratory drinks.
This is one of the biggest advantages of a non-traditional wedding—instead of spending hours greeting 200 guests, Holly & Brian were able to focus on meaningful moments with the people who had the biggest impact on their journey together. The whole day felt natural, stress-free, and truly representative of their relationship.
Holly & Brian’s wedding was a perfect example of why small, adventurous weddings can be just as powerful (if not more so) than large, traditional ones. By focusing on meaningful locations instead of a big venue, they were able to:
For couples who want to make their wedding day truly personal, this approach is worth considering. But this approach isn’t for everyone. Many couples dream of a big, elegant wedding with a dedicated venue, plenty of space for guests, and a full reception experience. If that’s the kind of wedding you’re planning, Anchorage has some incredible venues to choose from—whether you’re hosting 50 guests or 200+. And if you’re wondering where to start, we’ve put together a guide to the best wedding venues in Anchorage—from scenic outdoor spots to charming venues like O’Malleys On the Green.
A wedding this incredible wouldn’t be possible without an amazing team of vendors! If you’re planning your wedding in Anchorage, here are some professionals who helped make Holly & Brian’s day unforgettable: